Teachers’ body formed
TURA: The West Garo Hills Unit of the All Meghalaya Government Upper Primary School Teachers’ Association (AMGUPSTA) was formed recently at Shyamnagar Government UP School.
The new unit elected Shaniram Rabha as president, Reazul Haque Sarkar as vice president, Utpal Kr Laha as general secretary, Trilling Ch Marak as joint secretary, Danil M Sangma as publicity secretary, Nivia Tatori G Momin as accountant cum treasurer and all assistant teachers of government upper primary schools under West Garo Hills Districts as members.
Tyisam fest in SGH from Dec 13
BAGHMARA: South Garo Hills district administration is organising the Tyisam Festival at Golden Beach of Simsang river here on December 13 and 14 next. The main highlights of the event which is a part of winter festival will be Inter-Mahari tug-of-war, water sports, inter-block Wangala competition, traditional cooking competition, comedy nights presented by renowned Garo comedians, Simon George Sinthang Marak and Jesse James Rangsa Marak, indigenous games, children’s sports, beach soccer, basketball, folk song and dance competitions. The festival will conclude with a rock concert to be presented by Black Jack, Hi-fi Stereo and Haystack Ladies.
Dorbar Raid criticises Sohra Syiem
SHILLONG: The Dorbar Raid under Sohra Syiemship has criticised the Syiem of Hima Sohra for allegedly issuing NOC surreptitiously to Rocky Dhar and Dhar Company without taking the Dorbar Raid Majai into confidence. In a petition written to the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), PN Syiem, the secretary of the Dorbar Raid Majai, S. Marbaniang stated that the Syiem of Hima Sohra, Freeman Sing Syiem, issued the NOC to Dhar and the company to enable them to apply for mining license so that they can mine and extract boulders. The Dorbar has urged the CEM to revoke the NOC and to punish the Syiem of Hima Sohra who they claimed has been giving away land falling under Raid Majai to affluent people, office or company without the knowledge of the Dorbar from time to time. Marbaniang alleged that Syiem of surreptitiously gave away 150 acres of land at Kurikhal, Raid Majai to Dhar on November 17, to mine and extract boulder even though the Raid land belongs to the Dorbar. He said that the NOC issued is illegal as the Syiem of Hima Sohra has flouted the orders of District Council dated, January 25, 2017. He added that the land is unique as it serves as watershed/catchment to villages of Kurikhal, Umsawmaskhon and Mawblei.
Ahoma festival to be held at Tikrikilla
SHILLONG: The 100 drums Wangala festival of Tikrikilla in collaboration with Balgito youth and socio cultural society of Tikrikilla will be held on December 9 at Tikrikilla. Many cultural events along with participation of 10 Wangala troupes from all over Garo Hills will perform at the function. The event is organised to promote the traditional and cultural activities of the Garos, ensuring to preserve their identities for coming generations in the region. The programme will be attended by many sitting legislators, CEM and EM of GHADC, local MDC, government officials and other dignitaries. It aims to highlight the vibrant culture and rich traditional attires of the Garos.
Bakdil holds health camp at Wageasi
TURA: A daylong medical camp was organised for villagers of the Songma Saria Awe, Wageasi under Kharkutta region by the NGO Bakdil with support from Caritas India and the district health department on Tuesday. The focus of the free health camp was to spread awareness about various diseases prevalent in the region and special focus was given for malaria with district project officer of Bakdil Eric Warner R Marak briefing the villagers about precautions, symptoms, early check up and diagnosis of malaria. A physical health examination along with blood pressure and rapid diagnosis treatment was provided to the patients who were also given free medicines. Over a hundred villagers attended the camp. During the event, medical officer of Wageasi primary health centre Dr C Sangma briefed the villagers on various health issues and on the importance of institutional delivery for expected mothers.
Sohra labourers threaten poll boycott over pay
SHILLONG: Members of the Sohra Labour Union (SLU) have threatened to boycott next year’s Assembly elections if the state government did not pay heed to their demand of a wage hike. The union’s president Balawanlam Kupar Kharmawpat told reporters on Wednesday that while prices of essential commodities were increasing, the wages have remained the same, posing difficulty for us,” he said. He demanded that wages for skilled labourers should be Rs 900, semi-skilled Rs 700 and unskilled Rs 500 as against the current wage of Rs 500, Rs 400 and Rs 300 respectively. Kharmawpat also raised concern about the rise in the number of illegal immigrants who work as daily wage labourers in Sohra. In addition, he said the timing of work for labourers should be in accordance with the timing fixed by the government, which is eight hours a day. Employers allegedly harass them by making them work upto 10-12 hours a day.
Mortuary van donated to EKH police
SHILLONG: A mortuary van was formally handed over to East Khasi Hills District Police by Raju Loungani and Kamal Agarwal in a programme at Sadar Police Station here on Wednesday. The vehicle was donated in honour of their late mothers, Parpati Loungani and Satyabama Agarwal. Speaking on the occasion, East Khasi Hills superintendent of police, Davis R Marak, said the mortuary van would be put to good use for the purpose of serving the people in times of need.